TAUNTON Deane MP Rebecca Pow has been made a Minister for the Environment.

Ms Pow has been appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment, within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Her responsibilities include: Domestic natural environment, the 25-Year Environment Plan, the Environment Bill, climate change adaptation, co-ordination of Defra input to net zero, land use, floods and water, resource and environmental management (including waste, air quality, chemicals, litter).

“I am absolutely delighted to join Defra as the Environment Minister and I look forward to meeting key stakeholders across the rural and environment sectors," she said.

"Together we can better protect and enhance our environment as we leave the EU.

"Having grown up on a farm, gained an environmental qualification, worked in the field as well as living in the countryside and representing a rural area for many years, it’s an area I am passionate about and have sought to champion.

"Farming, environmental and rural issues are inextricably interlinked, and I am much looking forward to this role.

"Locally, I have already worked on a range of related matters including helping to attract garden town status for Taunton.

"Of course, as ever representing the people of Taunton Deane in matters remains my top priority.”